Controversies News & Topics

Controversies

Toys 'R' Us Slammed for Selling 'Breaking Bad' Dolls With Faux Bags of Meth

Parents are outraged over the toy chain's bizarre decision to sell drug-dealing action figures.

Ready For Anything

Microsoft CEO: 'I Was Completely Wrong' About Gender Comment

Satya Nadella says he was thinking of his own 22-year climb up Microsoft's corporate ladder, though he says now that he encourages women to speak up.

Geoff Weiss | 2 min read

Branding

Taco Bell's New Sister Restaurant Apologizes for 'Communist' Logo

Vietnamese sandwich concept Banh Shop promises to change its logo after Vietnamese-Americans called out Taco Bell's parent company for the red star design.

Kate Taylor | 4 min read

Video Games

Long-Buried Atari Cartridges Are Being Offered Up for Public Auction

After being exhumed from a New Mexico landfill earlier this year, copies of the world's worst video game will now be up for auction.

Geoff Weiss | 2 min read

Controversies

SeaWorld, Southwest Airlines Terminate Partnership Amid 'Blackfish' Fallout

While the companies chalked it up to 'shifting priorities,' the announcement comes on the heels of widespread urgings by animal activists.

Geoff Weiss | 2 min read

Censorship

Facebook Says Cheerleader's Chilling Hunting Photos Violate Its Community Standards

Facebook has scrapped graphic images showcasing Kendall Jones' hunting conquests -- but not in response to public outcry, the company claims.

Geoff Weiss | 3 min read

Company Culture

Open Carry Controversy: Businesses' New Rock and a Hard Place

Before your company takes a side on a controversial issue, consider these three things.

Peter Gasca | 4 min read

Branding

One Way to Turn Customers Into Raving Fans: Be Controversial

It's more powerful to be polarizing than it is to be neutral.

Jason Fell | 3 min read

Ready For Anything

Oh, Snap -- Evan Spiegel 'Mortified' by Vulgar Frat Emails

"If I hear one more freshman tell me how much they love Kappa Sigma," wrote Snapchat's 23-year-old founder (in one of his milder moments), "I'll probably get so excited I'll punch them in the face."

Geoff Weiss | 3 min read

Advertising

Diet Coke Campaign Fizzles After Consumers Mock 'You're On Coke' Snafu

Diet Coke's new ad was looking to target a young, professional demographic, but after bloggers teased the beverage giant about a possible drug reference, the campaign, well, went flat.

Geoff Weiss | 2 min read

Ready For Anything

'Fit Mom' on Strategizing After Online Backlash

One fitness entrepreneur explains how she's using controversy – and a calm, steady hand -- to build a fitness movement.

Tanya Benedicto Klich | 5 min read

Marketing

Lululemon Messes Up... Again

'You always hear the phrase that any PR is good PR. What we learned is that's not always the case,' the athletic clothing company's CFO admitted.

Laura Entis | 3 min read

Growth Strategies

How A&E Ducked the Duck Dynasty Controversy

A&E suspended Phil Robertson from its most popular show over comments he made about homosexuality. In doing so, it missed an opportunity to let its customers decide.

Ray Hennessey | 4 min read

Ready For Anything

The Man Behind the 'Bible of Bro Culture'

Rude, crude, sexist and often mean-spirited, David Portnoy's Barstool Sports has become a go-to for young men. But can Portnoy continue to cash in on controversy?

Jason Ankeny | 15+ min read

Small Business Heroes

Could Rolling Stone's Boston Bomber Cover Be a Smart Marketing Move?

For better or worse, controversy can draw attention to your brand.

Jason Fell | 3 min read

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